THE DEFENSE

Q: First of all, thanks for coming out and taking these pictures in the pouring rain. I know we were hoping for snow.

A: I like the rain. Plus, it got me out of the house for the first time this week.

Q: You live in the Mission, but we’re in Tahoe right now, so clearly getting to Tahoe is a priority for your car. What else do you use it for?

A: Not commuting. Mostly just getting out of the city, running errands, getting groceries, things like that.

Q: How do you get to work, if not in your car?

A: When I go into work, I mostly bike. But I work from home most of the time.

Q: Hence being in Tahoe for the week, stuck inside because of the rain.

A: Exactly.

Q: What brought you to San Francisco?

A: The Internets. I was working for LiveJournal seven years ago and they were acquired, which meant I had to move to San Francisco.

Q: What’s your favorite day trip from San Francisco?

A: I really like going to Napa because the weather is awesome up there.

Q: Do you have a longer trip you like to take?

A: Driving 80 to Tahoe. Once you get to Auburn, it becomes really fun–especially if the weather is all crazy.

Q: Fun?

A: I guess fun is the wrong word, but it’s an adventure.

Q: Why did you decide to get a Subaru Impreza WRX?

A: I was leasing a 2008 BMW 335 and when the lease was up, I had certain criteria for my next car: manual transmission, AWD, and it had to be fun to drive. Plus, I wanted to spend less money.

Q: Why a manual transmission?

A: It’s not like I’m sitting in traffic all day. When I’m driving, I want it to be fun. It kind of gives you something to do while you’re driving.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: No.

Q: So I can get in your car and smoke a cigarette and spill cookie crumbs everywhere?

A: I might ask you to roll the window down or clean up, but sure. One of the things I really like about this car is that it’s rugged. I can throw dirty boots and snowboards in there and I just don’t care. Previous cars, I’d be like “Oh, it’s a nice new car,” and I’d care about stuff like that, but not with this one.

Q: Well, for the record, I don’t smoke, so I would never do that. I do love cookies though. But your car sounds very laid back. If it had an emotion, what would it be?

A: It would be down for whatever, positive and happy.

Q: What’s your dream car?

A: I kind of like the Audi A3s, but I was unable to get one of those with Quattro and manual transmission, so that’s what I’d get. That’d be cool.

Q: Seems like you’re pretty happy with this car. What do you love about it?

A: I love that it’s really fun to drive. When you’re on curvy roads, especially hilly, bumpy, curvy roads, it handles really well. I love that it has a hatchback and I can just throw my scuba and Tahoe gear in there.